This month, the Government announced plans to introduce a Technical Baccalaureate as a 'mark of achievement' for the 50% of school-leavers who don't go on to university. It will consist of 3 strands, including an approved vocational qualification equivalent to Level 3, a core Maths qualification and an 'extended project’ designed to test skills in communication, research and motivation. The 'Tech Bacc' will become a league table performance measure from 2017.
The proposal comes at a time when raising the status of vocational qualification is very much in the spotlight. According to a government survey this month, job candidates who have trained through an apprenticeship scheme are “more employable” than people with other qualifications, including degrees. The employability research conducted with 500 companies demonstrated that employers rate apprentices’ skills and experience way above learners who have followed alternative career paths.
It’s positive to see the recognition that vocational education is receiving and it’s crucial that we build on this further. Young people need to be receiving quality careers advice to understand the full range of options available to them. Vocational education shouldn’t be viewed as being for the ‘less able’ or disadvantaged, when it can deliver real career openings and opportunities.
At NCFE, we’re keen to support colleges in responding to Government plans and policies, particularly when it comes to raising the status of vocational education. We’re eagerly awaiting further information on Traineeships with a Government announcement expected imminently. Skills Minister Matthew Hancock has said that through their consultation, they’ve received over 450 responses from employers, providers and other organisations so it will be interesting to see the outcome.
At NCFE, we’re already ahead of the game with a complete “mix and match” package of over 130 qualifications prepared to help you with your curriculum planning to meet the demands of the Traineeships. Our aim is to work with you so you can support your learners to help them boost their skills, confidence and ultimately find sustained employment, all through the delivery of high quality training.
We’ve also got it covered when it comes to Apprenticeships. We have around 50 full Apprenticeships available as well as supporting qualifications to prepare learners for Apprenticeships. What’s more, we’ve recently been first on the market with a range of free supporting materials for our Health and Social Care Apprenticeships and also now for our Childcare Apprenticeships. These glossy learning resources include tutor support, course companions, student resources and much more.
Overall, it’s a time of great transition in the education sector, the jobs market is more competitive than ever before and it’s vital that we all work together to ensure young people leave education as well rounded individuals with the skills, energy and mindset to forge a successful career, whatever that may be.
